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MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Chiefs down Kernels in extra-inning opener

April 10, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


For the second straight year the Kernels went into extra innings during their home opener and unfortunately for the home team the outcome was the same.

Cedar Rapids scored a single run in the bottom of the ninth to force extra innings, but the Peoria Chiefs plated a pair in the tenth to take a 7-5 win at Veterans Memorial Stadium in front of 2,272 fans on a beautiful day for baseball.

The Kernels pounded out 11 hits and grabbed an early 2-0 lead in the .rst but the Chiefs scored twice in the sixth and twice in the top of the ninth to grab a 5-4 lead.

Dallas Morris started the Kernels rally in the ninth with a leadoff single to left and was immediately moved over on a sacri.ce bunt by Madison Edwards. Brett Martinez then lashed a single to left that Johnny Defendis couldn't handle, a miscue that allowed Morris to score and Martinez to move to third. The next misstep came from the Kernels and ultimately cost the team a sure-.re victory. Martinez was caught creeping toward home on a pitchout for the second out of the frame and watched from the dugout as Larry Infante belted a double to right that would have plated him.

Peoria made quick work of breaking the tie as Brandon Taylor led off the tenth with a solo blast to left of reliever Jim West (0-1). The Chiefs added an insurance run on a double-steal later in the inning and reliever Roberto Sotolongo closed the door on the Kernels in the bottom of the inning to notch his first save.

Starter Robert Mosebach gave the Kernels six solid innings, allowing three runs but surrendering just three hits. Tim Didjurgis contributed two scoreless innings of relief before the Chiefs touched up Chris Howell for two runs on four hits over 2/3 of an inning in the ninth. Matt Ciaramella and Jake Muyco had RBI base hits for the Chiefs to tie the game.

Cedar Rapids grabbed an early lead in the .rst when the Kernels touched Peoria starter Mitch Atkins for a pair of runs. Hainley Statia, who later in the game would extend his hitting streak to .ve games, walked with one out and scored on a double by Patrick Reilly. Reilly then stole third and came home on a sacri.ce .y by Mark Trumbo.

The Kernels would not score again until posting two more runs in the bottom of the eighth inning off reliever and eventual winner Jesse Estrada (1-0). Statia nailed a two-out offering into left and scored once again on a double by Reilly. Trumbo then dumped a ball into left for a single and Reilly lumbered around from second to score what looked to be the possible game-winning run.

Reilly and Trumbo each accounted for two RBI and Reilly went 3-for-5 for the second time in three games. Out.elder Warner Madrigal joined Reilly in the multi-hit category with a 2-for-5 effort.

Last season the Kernels lost to Kane County in 10 innings during the home and season opener at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 7-4.

The two teams continue the brief three-game series with games on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Both are scheduled for 6:30 starts with right-hander Tommy Mendoza scheduled to take the hill for the Kernels on the team's .rst ‘Triple Play Tuesday.' Fans attending the game can purchase a sandwich, chips, and beverage for just $5 all game long.

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Midwest League Stories from April 10, 2006


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